Lana Oconnell
Students are often surprised by how costly water bills can be. While full-time students in the UK are expected to pay water bills, there are some exceptions. For instance, students living in Scotland are exempt from paying water charges as these are included in their council tax bill, which they don't have to pay. Students living outside of Scotland will need to pay for both water and sewerage services, either annually, every six months, or monthly, depending on their preference and whether they have a meter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who has to pay water rates? | Students must pay their share of the water bill unless it is covered by the landlord or homeowner. Full-time students in Scotland are exempt from paying water rates. |
| How to pay water rates? | Students can pay their water rates annually, every six months, or monthly. They can pay by bank transfer, online, pre-arranged direct debit, or over the phone. |
| How much do students have to pay? | The amount students have to pay depends on their usage if they have a water meter. If they don't have a meter, they pay a standard tariff set by the government. |
| How to reduce water usage? | Students can take shorter showers, use rainwater for plants, fill a bowl with soapy water instead of letting the tap run, and make multiple cups of tea or coffee at once. |
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What You'll Learn
Students in Scotland are exempt from water bills
Students in Scotland are indeed exempt from paying water bills under certain circumstances. This is because most homes in Scotland receive their water supply from Scottish Water, and water and wastewater charges are included in the council tax bill. Since students are exempt from paying council tax, they are also exempt from paying for water.
However, this exemption only applies if the property is exempt from council tax. If everyone in the property is exempt from paying council tax, the property is exempt from paying council tax and water and sewerage charges. For example, if a property is occupied solely by university students, it qualifies for a student water bill exemption.
It is important to note that if a property has a water meter, the water and sewerage charges may be separate from the council tax bill. In this case, students may need to negotiate with Scottish Water to receive a discount or exemption. Additionally, if a student lives in a mobile home or has a private septic tank, they may be charged for sewerage services separately.
While students in Scotland may be exempt from water bills, it is recommended to check with the water company to ensure they do not charge for this bill. Students should also be aware that they may still be responsible for other bills such as electricity, heating, and broadband.
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Students elsewhere must pay for water
Students in the UK are generally expected to pay for water and sewerage services. Full-time students are typically billed annually on a standard tariff or every six months if they are on a meter. Students are encouraged to check with their water company to ensure they are not exempt from water charges. For example, students living in Scotland are exempt from water charges as these are included in their council tax bill, from which full-time students are exempt.
Students in Wales are billed for the duration of their tenancy agreement. Metered properties are billed based on water usage, while unmeasured properties are billed from the start of the tenancy until 31 March. From 1 April, a new bill is issued for the next 12 months.
Students in England are also billed for their water usage, with metered tariffs recording the amount of water used and standard tariffs charging a set amount based on estimated usage. Students can reduce their water costs by minimising their water usage, such as by taking shorter showers, using rainwater for plants, and turning off the tap while brushing teeth or washing hands.
Students can also save money by splitting water bills with housemates. Services such as Split The Bills and The Student Energy Group offer bill-splitting systems that combine utility costs and allow housemates to pay their share without liability for late payments from others.
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How to set up your water bill
Students in the UK do have to pay water rates, except for those living in Scotland. Full-time students in Scotland are exempt from paying water bills as these charges are included in their council tax, from which they are also exempt.
Setting up your water bill is pretty straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Find your supplier
Each area of the UK has just one supplier of water for the area, so there’s no need to hunt for the best deal. You can find your area's water supplier online.
Step 2: Contact your supplier
Once you’ve found your supplier, you need to contact them and set yourself up as a new customer. You can usually do this online or over the phone. To complete your customer setup forms, you will need to provide some personal information, such as your name, contact details, and payment information.
Step 3: Understand your tariff
There are two types of tariffs for water bills: standard and metered. On a standard tariff, you will pay a set cost no matter how much water you use. The government estimates how much water your house will use based on a survey. Most homes in the UK are on a standard tariff. On a metered tariff, you will pay for the amount of water you use. A meter will record the amount of water your house uses, and you will be charged accordingly.
Step 4: Decide on your payment method
Water suppliers offer multiple ways to pay your water bills, including monthly, quarterly, or yearly payments. You can choose whichever method is best for you and your household.
Step 5: Save money
There are many ways to save money on your water bill, such as using water-saving tips and fixing dripping taps. You can also collect rainwater in a water butt to use for watering plants.
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Ways to reduce water usage
Students in the UK do have to pay water rates, except for those living in Scotland. In Scotland, water and wastewater charges are included in the council tax bill, and as students are exempt from paying council tax, they do not have to pay for water. However, for students living in the rest of the UK, understanding and managing water bills is an important part of student living.
Fix Leaks
Small household leaks can add up to gallons of water lost every day. Regularly check your plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems to identify and fix any leaks.
Install Water-Efficient Products
Look for WaterSense-labeled products and ENERGY STAR®-qualified appliances that are designed to save water and energy. WaterSense-labeled faucet aerators, for example, can save you money on your energy bills while reducing water usage.
Reduce Water Waste in Daily Routines
Make simple changes to your daily routines, such as turning off the tap while shaving or brushing your teeth, and taking shorter showers instead of baths. When washing dishes by hand, plug up the sink or use a washbasin to minimize water usage.
Collect Rainwater
Consider collecting rainwater in a water butt or large vessel to use for watering plants. This reduces your reliance on tap water and provides softer water that is free from added chemicals.
Choose Efficient Laundry and Dishwashing Options
Use a dishwasher instead of handwashing dishes, as modern dishwashers use less water. If you are handwashing clothes, fill up a basin instead of running the tap continuously. Opt for a full-sized ENERGY STAR-certified washing machine, which uses significantly less water than a standard machine.
By implementing these water-saving strategies, students can not only reduce their water bills but also contribute to conserving this precious resource.
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Different ways to pay your water bill
Students are expected to pay water bills, except for those living in Scotland with other full-time students. The water and wastewater charges are included in the council tax bill, from which students are exempt. However, if a property has a meter, students will have to pay for water.
There are various ways to pay your water bill. Here are some of the common methods:
- Direct Debit: This is a convenient way to set up regular payments from your bank account. You can choose to pay in instalments or in full.
- Card: You can use your debit or credit card to make a payment online, over the phone, or in some cases, in person. Some water companies may charge a small fee for card payments.
- Cash: If you prefer to pay in cash, you can usually do so at the Post Office or Payzone/Paypoint outlets. You will need to bring your bill and may be required to pay a processing fee.
- Cheque: You can mail a cheque along with your bill stub to the water company's payment address. Make sure to not post-date your cheque and include any required information, such as your account number.
- Online: Many water companies offer online payment systems through their websites or apps. You can log in to your account and make one-time or recurring payments.
- Phone: Some water companies also provide the option to pay over the phone using your debit or credit card. This is often done through an automated system.
Additionally, there are ways to reduce your water bill. You can use rainwater for tasks like watering plants, and try to use as little water as possible in your daily life.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, students are expected to pay water rates in the UK. However, there is no student discount for water bills unless the student lives in Scotland. In Scotland, students living in a home occupied solely by other university students are exempt from paying water rates as it is included in their council tax bill.
Depending on your supplier, you can pay your water bill by bank transfer, online, pre-arranged direct debit, or over the phone with the company. You can also pay monthly to help spread the cost.
The amount students have to pay for water depends on whether their student house has a water meter or is on a standard tariff. With a water meter, students pay for the amount of water they use. On a standard tariff, the government estimates how much water the house will use and charges a set amount.
